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McCarthy announces start of Sounder service to Lakewood and South Tacoma

Wednesday Sep 12 2012 2:15 PM

Sound Transit announced today that Sounder commuter rail service to South Tacoma and Lakewood will begin Monday, Oct. 8.

To celebrate the start of service, Sound Transit will hold a public ribbon-cutting event on Saturday, Oct. 6 at the Lakewood, South Tacoma and Tacoma Dome stations. Free rides on the Sounder train will be offered to the public, along with other festivities.

"The start of Sounder service to South Tacoma and Lakewood marks an exciting milestone in the work of Sound Transit to bring commuter rail to more communities in Pierce County," said Sound Transit Board Chair and Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy. "In just a few short weeks, more South Sound residents will be able to experience the convenient, first-class service that more than 10,000 Sounder riders from Tacoma to Everett enjoy each weekday."

When service to Lakewood begins, Sound Transit will operate five peak-service trains that will start at the Lakewood Station, stop at South Tacoma, and proceed to the Tacoma Dome station and other stations further north. The first northbound train will leave Lakewood at 4:42 a.m. The first afternoon train to Lakewood will leave King Street Station at 4:20 p.m. Morning and evening trains will leave every 25 minutes.

Departure schedules for other south line Sounder stations remain unchanged.

Service to Lakewood and South Tacoma will also include Sound Transit's popular game day trains, which served more than 132,000 Seahawks, Mariners and Sounders FC fans last year. This fall, Sounder event trains will also serve Husky weekend afternoon games taking place at CenturyLink Field.

"The Sounder extension to Lakewood is a significant achievement that represents years of meticulous planning and hard work," said Sound Transit Boardmember and Lakewood City Councilmember Mary Moss. "The support Sound Transit has received from its federal partners, local jurisdictions, and surrounding communities has made possible the realization of a longstanding vision: to extend commuter rail service further south so more people can enjoy the benefits of riding Sounder."

Until service begins, testing on the 8.5-mile track from Tacoma to Lakewood will continue. Travelers are urged to take extra caution around the tracks and obey all warning signs.